South Florida's Traffic Congestion Among Worst In Country

South Florida was ranked as one of the worst places in the country with traffic congestion.

The Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach region placed 11th of the 15 urban areas with traffic congestion, according to the 2012 Urban Mobility Report.

This is the first year the report also included a Planning Time Index, or amount of extra time drivers need to arrive for events such as appointments or airplane departures. The report assigned South Florida a Planning Time Index of 3.60, meaning a driver gives themselves over an hour to get to a location.

The worst city for traffic congestion was Washington D.C., followed by Los Angeles, San Francisco-Oakland, New York-Newark, and Boston.

The annual report is considered the nation's best measure of traffic conditions in large areas, and is compiled by a university research institution.

Over the past years, traffic congestion has fluctuated in South Florida. In 2000, South Florida placed 12th and in 2008 it was 15th.

The report also found that last year an estimated 56 billion pounds of carbon emissions were released, roughly 380 pounds per commuter.

These findings come without shock for drivers who sit in bumper to bumper traffic constantly on South Florida streets. However, it is important to remember to stay focused when driving. Avoid becoming distracted by not texting, talking with on a cell phone or using other electronic devices. Less distracted drivers, along with less accidents, can also lead to a decrease in the time you spend in traffic.